Questions are raised about the difficulty of defining normal and atypical sexual behavior. Variations from normalcy that students, parents, and educators are most likely to encounter are discussed. The importance of dealing with variations in ways that are best for the individual and the group is emphasized. (PP)

Presents a model showing how symptoms differ from other adaptive behaviors by their low productivity. Symptom's paradoxical dual norm structure result from communication patterns and indirect strategies which control the environment. Suggests if such structures are to be removed promptly, different but equally stable dual norm structures are…

Describes the sequentially developmental life stages of healthy, normal families. Provides an exposition of these developmental stages and forms as a guide or normative framework within which to test for dysfunction and pathology in the family process. (Author/JAC)

The Echo method, the Rokeach Value Survey, and the Survey on Teaching of Morals, Values, and Ethics were utilized in a recent study to identify community values. The process of values assessment serves to restore a sense of shared values to the school community. (Author/WD)

While cultural relativism has been an important corrective to the ethnocentrism of the past, teachers have often vulgarized this viewpoint to mean that no standards they hold can be applied to American Indian students. (Author/JC)

Examined the ages of children and developmental domains covered by state early learning standards and degree to which they are linked to state K-12 standards. Found that 39 states have or are developing state early learning standards, the majority addressing expectations for 3- to 5-year-olds. Found little guidance on adapting standards for…

Studied the adjustment status associated with engagement in gender normative versus gender nonnormative aggression for boys and girls. Teacher and self-reports were used to assess internalizing and externalizing difficulties. Found that 9- to 12-year olds who engaged in gender nonnormative aggression were more maladjusted than children who engaged…

Examines structural marginality on two levels, substantial and functional. Argues that fundamental organizational framework of economic and political institutions determines the relationship between substantial and functional marginality. Explores the ambiguity involved when dominant society defines and controls marginal groups and individuals.…

In 1986 the National Association for Campus Activities Board of Directors adopted a statement of behavior expected of campus activities professionals. Three categories of expectations are outlined: those dealing with student development and relationships, those dealing with management, supervision, and professional development, and those dealing…

A survey of 2,459 medical students found that 39% had witnessed cheating in their first 2 years of medical school, and 66.5% had heard about cheating. About 5% reported having cheated during that time. Students appeared resigned to the fact of cheating, but lacked consensus about how to proceed when witnessing it. Guidance in intervening in…

A model for regulating faculty-student consensual sexual relations in colleges and universities is offered. The model focuses on both removing conflict of interest and expanding women's ability to define the kinds of relationships they want. Standards for conflict of interest and unethical sexual advances are outlined. (MSE)

Exchange of obscene materials on college computer networks is raising free-speech issues and concern about public response. Standards of conduct for computer use by faculty, administrators, and students are under consideration on a number of campuses. Legality of the materials and appropriate use of institutional resources are also issues. (MSE)

Professionals (n=201) working with child sexual abuse victims rated the normalcy of various behaviors with anatomical dolls for children ages two to five. Respondents agreed that overtly sexual behaviors were abnormal for nonabused children, but ratings of ambiguous behaviors varied depending on respondent's profession, gender, and years of…

A survey of 138 chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology department heads investigated the relationship between the administrator's graduate school department quality and the formality of sanctioning of colleagues for violating each of the four norms of science. The results and implications for professional socialization within disciplines…

Argues for an understanding of play as a flux between the imagination and attempts to test consequences of "what if" questions. Discusses leading educational theorists' views of the role of play. Suggests that school authority which reduces creative play closes off children's means of finding answers to some vocational questions. (SG)